4th day @ work

It was very cold this morning. As soon as I got ready for work, I got some warm water to pour on my windscreen (I didn't bother using the de-icer). My driveway was slippery (black ice) despite the fact that I was wearing a pair of Timberland boots I almost fell so I drove slowly to work.
The training went smoothly. Although I was nodding off but as soon as we had the first 15 minute break, I went straight to Mackie (McDonalds) to get something to eat.Phew! I actually thought I wasn't going to get paid till next year but the payroll section has confirmed that I should check my bank account tomorrow. Hurray!!
I was talking to my hubby last night about what to get the kids for Xmas and their birthday (which is in January). I suggested a Sony PS3 but that would mean that we'll have to get them a slightly bigger tv for their bedroom but my hubby said that we should wait for the January sale. Good idea . There is no point buying something at a very high price and a few days later, the price falls.
I joined the Union today. Anywhere I work I join the union .It 's very important.

3rd day @ work

Woke up a bit late this morning. It was so cold. When I opened the door, I had to spray deicer on my car windscreen and windows then I used an IKEA family card to scrape some of the ice. I drove off but I couldn't see anything using my rear view mirror so I had to pour some warm water. I finally left home at about 8.50 hrs and got to the training room by 09.09hrs.
On my way to work, I saw one of my clients (Mr B) a Congolese from my old work place. (i recognised him from behind. He has this box hair cut which reminds me of Larry Blackmon of Cameo in the 80s. He saw me and waved. I wondered if he got a job. He was doing a plumbing course then. My role at my old work place (a govt establishment) was to help People With Disability or health issues to get a job. I liaised with different organisations and employers it was fun though because once one of my clients got retained by their employer or they got a new job, I feel really good and the clients actually appreciate my effort as some of them have lost confidence completely. Some of them haven't worked for like 6-10 years.
Today, I had a chat with the facilitator and she gave me her card. That is a step in the right direction.

2nd Day @ Work

Training started today. A lady facilitator was there to hold our hands. First on today's agenda was an ice-breaking exercise. We had to ask each other questions about ourselves and so on. Then we did a presentation on what we found out about each other. Training continued then another exercise this time the facilitator paired each trainee with another. The task was to look at your partner and think of:

1. The kind of job they should be doing and your reason for choosing the job
2. Where your partner should live and why
3. The mode of transport you suggest and why
4. What type of pet should they have/keep (not necessarily a living thing)

Funny enough, the things I suggested to the guy I was paired up with were spot on. It was fun sha.

We also discussed stress at work and other related issues.

BTW, I managed to get a free parking permit for myself. I can't pay to park (as an Ijebu woman). Let's hope I'll enjoy the job and as for the facilitator, I've built up enough rapport with her. I want to make a business proposition.

1st day at work

I started a new job today after staying home for 10 months recovering from a major operation. Everything looked so weird. When I left this morning, my kids were on their way to school with hubby. I said good bye to my kids and the first question they asked me was "Where are you going mum"? "To work" I replied. And as I was waiting at a set of traffic lights, I thought hmm poor boys. They've never seen me up that early in the last 10 months.
Reason? I and my hubby share the chores. I get the school uniforms all ironed and ready for the week on Sundays. So he bathes them and drops them off at school on his way to work. Then I pick them up at the After School club. The club is so convenient. We decided that they should stop going to the club when I wasn't working. They actually achieved a lot. Their handwriting which was a problem has improved and we became really close as I was always at the school playground at closing time.
I realised that my time off work was a blessing. I was able to bond with my kids.

Nigeria Police, Women drivers, Aso ebi,DVDs

While in Nigeria about 2 weeks ago, I was stopped by police officers at a "checkpoint". This is what we had to say
Police: Good Afternoon
Me:Hello
Police: We were stopping you and you were (he was driving in the air)
Me: I stopped
Police: You didn't
Me:So how com you're talking to me now? What position am I at the moment.
Police: Emm (short of words)
Police:You may go
Me: Thank you..ass**** (under my breath)

A few days later, I was stopped at the same checkpoint.
Police:Well done madam
Me: Hi
Police:Why u no dey smile madam and why you dey wear dark glasses when you dey drive?
Me: Because I'm not in a good mood
Police: Ok madam dey go.

I was so angry and at the same time laughing at the stupid question. I wonder what my sunglasses has got to do with my driving.

I got to Naija on a Friday morning and while I was trying to catch some sleep, my cousin (Mr M) came in and said "Iyaeto, I didn't know you were coming but there is an Owambe today (a community award) and tommorrow" (Dr T's party). I said I wasn't interested but my cousin wasn't having it. Before I knew what was happening, a tailor came to the house, took my measurement and about 2 hours later, I was given an Aso ebi! so I had to go to the party. The next day, I was given another Aso ebi to wear to a party. I just had to tag along. i enjoyed myself though. What shocked me was that my cousin (a guy) sorted out the aso ebi. I never knew that men too are into Aso Ebi.

Before I left for Naija, I wanted to buy the Prison Break box set and they were going for like 50 bucks each so (as an Ijebu woman) I thought they'll be on sale when I get back from Naija but when I got to Naija, I got the DVDs for N300 per season. I was even telling the guy that if it doesn't work, I'll bring them back (what do I expect of a N300 dvd) but funny enough the dvds were very clear. So I've been watching Prison Break since I landed. (I don't encourage piracy but what can I do).

Friendship

Something that happened to me in the last four days made me think of this word "friendship". I did a bit of research on what it means. After reading the article, I kind of understood what it means. It's not as if I don't know what it means but the feedback I got made me think otherwise.
My friend wanted a bit of advise. I willingly gave her the advice I felt she needed but she took it in the wrong way. Well that's life. After refusing to answer my calls for 5 days, she finally answered yesterday and we had a long chat, "kissed and made up".
If you have to give you friend a bit of advise, think first.

What in your own opinion is friendship?

The Man of the moment

After all the brouhaha at the House of Assembly,a new Speaker has now been appointed or is it elected?
Let's hope they'll let him do his job and that the story ends here.